Hard to put a positive spin on the Panthers latest move: After blowing an 11 point lead with 6 minutes to go at home against Tampa, the Panthers felt the need to show their commitment to winning by… that’s right, firing kicker Justin Medlock. Medlock’s replacement? Graham Gano. Yes, that Graham Gano, the guy with an overall career 73.8 percent field goal percentage, who is far from automatic from even 30 to 39 yards out (9 made, 7 missed). Why did they hire Gano? Apparently because he agreed to a contract through next season… why any rational front office would want his service next year is unclear.
As ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas observes:
Oh, like it matters at this point? Medlock missed his last three field goal attempts, but the Panthers said they were looking at the long term when they chose to keep Medlock over veteran Olindo Mare in the preseason. But I don’t think anyone in Carolina is thinking about the long term right now.
Very true. More like management is looking for the scapegoat of the moment so that hopefully no one will notice their own incompetence. This is the sort “leadership” that causes players to lose respect for a coach ad the front office in a hurry.
Bonus observation: I wonder who gets fired if the Panthers lose to the horrible Eagles on MNF